1Step 1 · Aviasales
Flights to SLC
Compare arrival dates before fixing your first night.
Find flights to SLC
Gateway Road Trip · Utah
Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip from Salt Lake City
Fly into SLC7–10 days~679 mi loop (straight-line)Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- SLC
Suggested stay- 7–10 days
Reservation demand- 6 stops · check each guide
Who this route is for
Built for visitors who want every Utah national park in one loop without starting in Las Vegas.
Land in Salt Lake City and drive all five Utah national parks — Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion — before returning on Interstate 15.
Start in Salt Lake City
Arrange your arrival, choose your wheels and get connected before the first park day.
Book in this order
2Step 2 · Motorhome Republic
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- ✓ Compare RV & campervan suppliers
Motorhome or campervan
Professional fleets; check pickup hours and park vehicle limits.
Compare RVs near SLC
2Step 2 · Airport Rentals
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
- ✓ Compare suppliers at SLC
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Car or SUV at SLC
Choose SLC pickup, dates and a standard car or SUV.
Compare cars at SLC
3Step 3 · Vrbo
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
Stays near Salt Lake City
Choose your overnight stops and check dates on Vrbo.
Find cabins & homesBefore you go · Airalo
Mobile data for the U.S.
Check phone compatibility; download maps before entering the parks.
Get a U.S. eSIMBefore you fly: essentials for overseas visitors
Entry: ESTA or visa
Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before boarding. Apply only on the official U.S. government ESTA website and allow at least 72 hours.
Driving licence
A valid licence in the Latin alphabet is generally accepted for rentals; an International Driving Permit is recommended alongside it and required by some rental desks.
Park pass
The America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at all five Utah national parks. Non-U.S. residents pay a higher rate since 2026; check the current price on the NPS website.
Arches timed entry
Arches National Park has required timed-entry reservations in the main season. Book on Recreation.gov before you fix your Moab dates.
Scenic Byway 12
Highway 12 between Capitol Reef and Bryce is one of the most scenic roads in the country but has steep, narrow sections with no barriers.
Zion shuttle
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is shuttle-only for most of the year. Arrive early to park in Springdale.
The loop, stop by stop
1Salt Lake City
Suggested: 2 days
~188 mi straight-line from Salt Lake City
2Arches National Park
Suggested: 1 day
Planning Your Entry: Arches Timed Entry and Park Access
~41 mi straight-line from Arches National Park
3Canyonlands National Park
Suggested: 2 days
Distinguish District Entry and Backcountry Permits
~76 mi straight-line from Canyonlands National Park
4Capitol Reef National Park
Suggested: 2 days
~67 mi straight-line from Capitol Reef National Park
5Bryce Canyon National Park
Suggested: 2 days
~54 mi straight-line from Bryce Canyon National Park
6Zion National Park
Suggested: 3 days
Advance Permit Planning for Angels Landing and Canyon Access
- Return to Salt Lake City and drop the car at SLC.
Experiences worth planning ahead
Guided tours along the loop: choose what fits your route and allow time for the meeting point.
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Utah Mighty 5 Loop from Salt Lake City
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Town & sightseeing days
11.5L Travel Sling Bag
Keep small day-trip belongings together without a bike-mounted bag.
Small-item splash protection
2L Dry Bag
For small items near water; check closure instructions. Not a flotation or safety device.
Wildlife & night viewing
WG9801 4K Night Vision Binoculars
3″ HD display · 48MP photo · 8X digital zoom. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$189.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
How many days do I need for Utah's Mighty 5 from Salt Lake City?
Plan 7 to 10 days: two or three nights in Moab, one at Capitol Reef, one or two at Bryce, two at Zion and a night in Salt Lake City.
Can I return the rental car in Salt Lake City?
Yes. The loop ends back in Salt Lake City, so you can drop the car at SLC where you picked it up and usually avoid one-way fees.
When is the best time for the Mighty 5?
April to May and September to October. Summer is hot in Moab and Zion; winter brings snow at Bryce Canyon.
More road trips
Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Loop Las Vegas Desert Parks Loop Utah Highway 12 Loop Grand Canyon & Northern Arizona Loop California Sierra Parks Loop Yellowstone & Grand Teton Loop From the airport: The Grand Circle from Las Vegas From the airport: California Icons Loop from San Francisco From the airport: Florida Tropical & Keys Loop from Miami From the airport: Pacific Northwest Loop from Seattle From the airport: Colorado Rockies Loop from Denver From the airport: Arizona Red Rocks Loop from Phoenix